Source: Northern_Echo
Meyler ready to return for Sunderland after miraculous recovery
STEVE BRUCE has paid tribute to Sunderland's miracle man for the way he has recovered from a career-threatening injury to take his place in a Premier League squad.[LNB] David Meyler will take his seat in the dressing room at the Stadium of Light for tomorrow's visit of West Ham United, just seven months after suffering serious ligament damage against Manchester United.[LNB] The 21-year-old has shown some incredible strength of character to bounce back from an injury that had the surgeons suggesting he might struggle to find full fitness inside a year.[LNB] Bruce said: It is typical of David. He has forced his way back into the squad, which is terrific because he has worked extremely hard for last seven months to get back the way he is and playing the way he is. It is great to see.[LNB] He is one resilient, big, strong lad who has worked tirelessly.[LNB] He did the lot, not just the anterior ligament like Fraizer Campbell. He severed the whole lot, so he has done fantastically well. He is one strong, big bugger. He has been swimming, leg machines, weight machines. He has done everything in his rehab.[LNB] Together with Jordan Henderson, Meyler was one of Sunderland's brightest lights last season and he was expected to be a prominent figure in the team this season.[LNB] In an attempt to ensure he stands a chance of making that happen, the Corkman has been seen at the Academy of Light training complex for ten hours at a time, pushing himself to the limits to recapture full fitness.[LNB] His outlook has not gone unnoticed by Bruce, who has no concerns about the player being able to recapture his best now that his injury nightmare appears to be over.[LNB] He has a great future, he is very effective at what he does. He might not be pretty on the eye but he is a good player, said Bruce.[LNB] Not every player has that mentality. He is one of those who is a joy to manage because he loves the game.[LNB] He loves being a footballer and he was desperate to get back. He is one you can't keep away.[LNB] The biggest thing has been keeping the reins on him, but he is now ready.[LNB] He has trained for six weeks, played three games, came through 90 minutes against Chelsea reserves on Monday, where he was particularly impressive. Just at the right time he could give us a spark again, which is fantastic. He is a throwback if you like. He is not one of the pampered ones, you would like to have him on your side.[LNB] Meyler is unlikely to start against the Hammers, as Sunderland look to respond to last weekend's defeat at Wolves by claiming the win that could lift them up to sixth.[LNB] To do that Bruce is considering dealing with the dilemma of choosing two of his three in-form strikers, Asamoah Gyan, Darren Bent and Danny Welbeck, by giving them the chance to impress as an attacking trio.[LNB] It's very interesting. What am I going to do I don't know, he said. It's a great decision to have. All three[LNB] Possibly.[LNB] Certainly in my mind, the way we are defensively, the best form of defence would be to really take the game to teams and have a right good crack at them.[LNB]
